The 5 Best Uniforms in Vancouver Canucks History

The Vancouver Canucks entered the NHL in 1970. Since then, they have had ups and downs in both on-ice performance and appearance.

Throughout their history, the Canucks have cycled through a number of uniforms and logos. Each look Vancouver has worn has symbolized a different time period that resonates with the long-time fans of the club. And while those memories are nice, the same could only be said of a few uniforms.

The following are the five best uniforms in Vancouver Canucks history.

The Worst Uniform in Vancouver Canucks History

Before we kick off the best uniforms, we must acknowledge the worst. When we think of the worst uniform in Canuck history, most think of the orange, yellow and black “V” that the franchise sported from the late 1970s to mid-1980s. That said, I am a strong believer that the third jerseys worn from 2001-2006 should take the cake on this one.

This uniform, equipped with the well-known Orca on top of a combination of dull navy and grotesque maroon, almost makes us thankful there was a full-season lockout during this time.

5. Vancouver Millionaires: 2013

For one game during the 2012-13 season, the Canucks wore retro Vancouver Millionaires uniforms as a tribute to the team. The Millionaires were a professional hockey team that played from 1911 until 1926, and they won the Stanley Cup in 1915.

With more than 40 years separating the two franchises, there really isn’t any direct symbolism here. Only a lucky few that have had the opportunity to see both teams in action are still with us today. But what these uniforms do symbolize is the time period they were worn in—a time that saw the National Hockey League which we all know and love become reality.

Looking back on that time, it’s amazing to see how far the game has come, while at the same time realizing the amount of similarities that exist.

4. Third Uniform: 2008-Present

When professional teams wear retro uniforms, it’s a nice sentiment, but it's not something you’d like to look at every night. When it comes to the Vancouver Canucks, that is not the case.

The Vancouver Canucks entered the league with one of the best looks in hockey. The decision to bring it back as a third uniform to replace that shown in slide one was one of the best decisions in the franchise’s history. It may not be every day that we get to see the retro look, but the fact that it’s in the rotation is good enough.

3. Home and Away Uniform: 2007-Present

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There were mixed feelings when the Canucks went back to the green and blue look with “Vancouver” written above a smaller Orca logo. Whether the look has grown on us or how the team has played since switching is to thank for the uniforms' popularity doesn’t matter—the bottom line is we have enjoyed watching them in these uniforms...up until the playoffs that is.

2. Home and Away Uniform: 1989-1997

For much of the late 90s, the Canucks were known for the orange, yellow and black uniforms with the skate logo in the middle. In 1989, the obnoxious yellow was left behind, making way for a calmer white look.

This logo and color scheme remained the look of the franchise for the next eight years. During this time, the Canucks missed the playoffs just twice, and their success included a trip to the Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers.

Whether it was the uniforms themselves or the players who wore them (Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden & Co.) that helped rank them this high is undecided—but I would guess the latter.

1. Home and Away Uniform: 1970-78

It’s rare for a team’s best look to come in its first years, but this is the case with the Canucks. The uniforms they sported from 1970 until the infamous “V” made its first appearance in 1978 represents not only the foundation of the Vancouver Canucks Franchise, but it was a truly classy look.

While some feel the stick logo is too plain, I think it’s perfect—nice, clean and simple. The backs of these uniforms are unlike any you’d find today—nameless. There’s no doubting the need for named uniforms in a 30-team, 82-game season like today, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the look the team once had.

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